Ravens’ Correa, former Boise State linebacker: from disappointment to likely starter

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kamalei Correa, a former Boise State Bronco, is looking to start this season after having just four tackles as a rookie. AP file photo

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kamalei Correa, a former Boise State Bronco, is looking to start this season after having just four tackles as a rookie. AP file photo

Former Boise State linebacker Kamalei Correa had an eventful rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens. Even though his production was not up to par, he’s poised for a big role in 2017.

Correa played in nine games last season, starting one, but registered just four tackles. Moving between outside and inside linebacker proved to be a difficult task, as it is for most first-year players. Yet, Correa is currently in line to start at inside linebacker this season alongside veteran C.J. Mosley.

ESPN had a headline that said “Ravens’ Kamalei Correa can go from draft disappointment to Zach Orr’s replacement.” It’s probably a little strong to say the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Correa has been a disappointment, but he feels things started to click back in January.

“I would say in the offseason, watching the playoffs and everything, it actually gave me a chance to sit back and actually see others play,” Correa said. “Shoot, I kind of thought to myself why can't that be me. I work hard. They picked me for a reason. I'm here, I can do it.”

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Correa was a second-round pick in the 2016 draft after leaving Boise State following his junior season. He’s proven before he can take a big jump once comfortable. As a freshman in 2013 for the Broncos, he had 12 tackles and a sack in 13 games as a backup, then as a sophomore had 12 sacks in 14 games.